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Struthers’ Giuriceo looks to impress
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Jake Giuriceo training
By Joe Scalzo
Entering his second professional bout, Struthers welterweight Jake Giuriceo has a simple plan for impressing fans — and promoters.
“I just need to beat the mess out of him,” he said, “and I should.”
Giuriceo (1-0, 1 KO) will fight Stow’s Shane Burkey (3-6) on the undercard of the May 2 “Fists of Thunder II” show at the War Memorial Arena in Johnstown, Pa.
A good performance — and a good crowd — could lead to a contract with TKO Boxing Promotions.
“They want to see what kind of crowd I bring and make sure I can put on a show,” said Giuriceo, who earned a second-round knockout of Michael Suarez on the undercard of Kelly Pavlik’s bout at the Chevrolet Centre in February. “That’s what promoters look for — someone who will fight and not run, and somebody who can bring a crowd so they can make money.”
Giuriceo’s handlers have rented two buses for fans to travel to the bout, with one leaving from Youngstown and another from Columbiana. Bus tickets are $50 (which includes a fight ticket), while fight-only tickets are $22. Tickets can be purchased at Check-N-Go on Shirley Rd. in Youngstown, Rip’s Cafe in Struthers and at the Fitness Source in Columbiana.
Giuriceo is hoping to fight 10 times over his first year, then lessen the pace in future years.
“I feel like I’m a better pro fighter than amateur fighter,” said Giuriceo, who went 28-4 as an amateur. “It’s a lot better [with the headgear off]. I’m able to see more, it helps me move a little better, land my punches a little flusher.”
Giuriceo is known for his work ethic and spends most of his time at Burnside’s Boxing Club, the Ironman Warehouse or the Fitness Source.